BUSINESSES are being urged to enter the 2018 Cherwell Business Awards as the deadline for entries draws nearer.

There is less than a month to send in applications for an award as one of the most successful businesses in the district.

Last years winner Edd Frost, managing director of Edd Frost and Daughters Family Funeral Directors said the experience was 'unforgettable' and has given them a boost as a small business in the area.

He said: "Winning the ‘Best Overall Business Award’ at The Cherwell Business Awards 2017 has enabled myself and my colleagues to believe that the service we are so proud to provide was worthy enough to have been acknowledged in such a high profile manner."

The Cherwell Business Awards hopes to acknowledge the work of local business and support them to market themselves and grow.

It is the seventh year of the awards and organisers hope it will be a 'bumper year' for the district event, attracting more entries than ever.

The 2018 awards will include nine categories including New Business award and Micro Business award.

There will also be an Overall Winner award which will be chosen from the finalists of one of the other categories.

Last year's winner Mr Frost added: "To stand up in front of a room full of very well respected and high profile local businesses was the most amazing and enriching experience and something I will never forget.

"Considering that we are such a small business, and indeed relative newcomers as a business, it just goes to show that however small a product or company, you stand an equal chance of being a success story as the biggest and higher profile businesses.

"The Cherwell Business Awards is a very worthy and wonderful event within the business calendar and a lovely opportunity to celebrate local business at its very best."

Winning businesses will be announced at a gala dinner to be held at Heythrop Park on Friday, May 11.

The deadline for submitting entries to the 2018 Cherwell Business Awards is February 16 and they can be submitted online on a new Cherwell Business Awards website.

For more information or to enter see cherwellbusinessawards.co.uk